That time I had the brilliant idea to ask my good friend for lessons in sex-ploration… our friendship, I have some specific requirements for his instruction. I want these classes to be hypothetical more than hands-on. So what if he’s hella sexy? I can handle that, no problem.
***
I have it bad for Arden. She’s bright, brilliant, insanely fun, and I want to take her home and spend all night together—and then spend the day with her, too. When she asks for my help, I see my chance to win her sweet heart by showing her how much fun we can have getting spicy. Trouble is, she has a different idea of what “sex-ploration” should mean. Now I’m going to have to get really clever to win her over.
Good thing I know exactly how to upend her best laid plans.
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loved, loved loved!! all the characters, storyline, etc did not want book to end!
A Quirky Friendship But So Much More
Love these Rom coms. Arden and Gabe are the perfect example of friends before lovers. The fact that I recently lost my grandma to Alzheimer/Dementia, parts of this story hits home.
The friendship these two have, the quirky way they get along. Reading their story, seeing how the romance forged. You can’t help but laugh as these two interact. These two may feel the pull but neither are sure how the other really feels. Will they choose friendship over what could be so much more? Remember, communication is key in any relationship. Make your list, get the game board ready
No one does friends-to-lovers like Lauren Blakely!
3.75 stars– BEST LAID PLANS by Lauren Blakely is a contemporary, adult, stand alone erotic, romance story line focusing on fire fighter Gabe Harrison, and book store owner Arden East.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Gabe and Arden) BEST LAID PLANS follows the friends to lovers relationship between fire fighter Gabe Harrison, and book store owner Arden East. One year earlier Arden East was in love with a man who thought our heroine was too nice and too vanilla. Angry and heart broken, our heroine begins to toss the picnic she made only to come face to face with fire fighter Gabe Harrison who welcomes the ‘nice’ woman into his last. Fast forward to present day wherein Arden is desperate to step out of her ‘nice lady’ comfort zone, and makes Gabe an offer he cannot refuse- teach our heroine to be sexy and more outgoing. What ensues is the friends to lovers romance and relationship, and the potential fall-out when the emotional magnitude of their growing love threatens the friendship zone Arden squarely placed the man that she loves.
Gabe Harrison has lusted after his best-friend from afar but having been placed in the ‘friend zone’ one too many times, Gabe takes full advantage of Arden’s need to learn to be seductive both in and out of the bedroom. Arden East knows she is the vanilla woman her ex tried to make her believe but having had no experience in the world of kink or sexy fun, our heroine is desperate to put Gabe’s knowledge to use.
The relationship between Gabe and Arden is one of best friends; a relationship where the palpable sexual attraction is evident to everyone but our leading couple. Wanting to ‘experience’ everything and more, Arden makes a bucket list of sexual activities for her and Gabe to practice and learn. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Arden’s best friends: bowling centre owner Vanessa, and police officer Perri Keating; as well as fire fighter Shaw Keating, paramedic newcomer Derek McBride, and Gabe’s pops and parents. Derek and Perri’s story line is next in THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR.
BEST LAID PLANS is a story of friendship, romance, heart break and love. The premise is engaging and endearing; the romance is steamy and fun; the characters are energetic, feisty and lively. BEST LAID PLANS is a sexy and sensual story of romance.
Best Laid Plans by Lauren Blakely
Narrated by Erin Mallon and Joe Arden (Duet style)
Standalone Romantic Comedy
Shirtless, sweaty and covered with cheese, Lauren Blakely made me fall in love with another one of her heroes. This time it’s Gabe the firefighter. Lauren Blakely releases so many books, and she uses the friends-to-lovers trope a lot. She has also used the “teach me about sex” trope. Yet every single book feels fresh and new, and I have loved every one of them.
Arden is a planner. She plans a beautiful picnic for her boyfriend, and he dumps her because she is too much of a good girl. And the a-hole still eats! Arden doesn’t necessarily want to be a good girl, but she doesn’t know any other way. When she meets Gabe, he is interested but knows she is on the rebound, so they become best friends.
Arden wants to change. She wants to explore her inner bad girl, so she comes up with a solid plan, and recruits her best friend Gabe to help her out to see what she likes.
“This is going to be the toughest game of charades I’ve ever played.”
As their game of charades continues, dirty talk ensues.
“Because if we were together, my number one goal would be to make sure you were…satisfied.”
Gabe doesn’t know how to get out of the friend zone, and Arden doesn’t think he would ever want her that way. But he does.
“I want to know the landscape of her body. Want to slide my hands up and down her legs, nibble on her a$$, and make her whimper.”
Yes, please! I loved the way he got her to loosen up and talk about sex. She was totally down with “pretending” to try anything.
I point a thumb at my chest. “Big fan of spanking.”
“You are?” Her tone drenched with curiosity.
“He!!, yeah. if it’s done right….”
But will she ever stop thinking of him as a friend?
Once again, Lauren’s amazing dialog and banter made me laugh out loud, and it was made even more special by the duet style narration. I want to be friends with every one of her characters…AND their pets (Lauren does great animals too!) She introduced great side characters and has some fun cameos from other books.
Likes:
•Arden is a bookstore owner, and I loved her book club meetings there!
•Amazing banter and dialog.
•Slow burn with lots of build-up.
•Dirty talking.
•A hot and sexy firefighter.
•I smiled the entire time I listened.
•The cast of characters and friends.
•Gabe is sweet and sexy and a little less business than many of Lauren’s heroes. It was a nice change.
•I loved their friendship and how they trusted each other.
Dislikes:
•Lauren Blakely is ruining me for other audiobooks!
The Narration:
Lauren Blakely does THE BEST audiobooks HANDS DOWN. She clearly writes for audio and has said herself that she can hear the narrator’s voice in her head as she writes, and you can tell. This is her first full-length duet style book (not including the 12 narrator Birthday Suit) and I loved it. Something about it was different than most duets and I can’t put my finger on the difference—almost like it maybe wasn’t full duet, only conversations? Because unless I’m crazy (I was driving 6 hours when I listened), I could swear Erin Mallon did her sexy male voice. The narrators were perfect. They had great timing together and I really enjoyed the duet. Sometimes they seem weird and jarring to listen to, but that was not the case at all with Best Laid Plans.
The Down & Dirty:
Once again, Lauren Blakely delivered a fantastic romantic comedy with humor, heart, and heat. The amazing banter was enhanced by the fabulous duet narration, and Lauren just nails the friends-to-lovers trope every time. I’m not sure how she can possibly keep every book fresh and unique despite similar settings and tropes, but she does, and I have never felt one second of repetitive storytelling. I loved every second of Best Laid Plans and recommend it highly!
Rating: 4.5 Stars, 4 Heat, 5+ Narration
Lauren Blakely is my go to when I need a happy, sexy, funny read that will just make me smile and feel warm inside. Best Laid Plans served all of that in spades! I loved the homage to the narrators we love (Arden East, huh? Such cleverness!), and the friends-to-lovers slow burn that is Arden and Gabe’s HEA is so satisfying. He is such a confident (without being cocky), easy going, sexy, man’s man. Gabe is the perfect counterpart to Arden’s slightly repressed, curious, book and wine loving self. I loved watching the progression of their relationship and the delicious angst that comes when the reader knows they each want the other as more than friends but are clueless to the reciprocity that’s going on. There are so many sweet, funny, and memorable scenes: the picnic that didn’t, rescuing Hedgwig, the sex toy shop, and meeting Gabe’s grandpa – just to name a few. I also really loved that Arden not only owns a bookstore (dream job, hello!) but is so very knowledgeable across genres and subjects, as well as a master book to wine pairer. And I really got a kick of the ladies in the book club she hosted in her shop. I can’t wait to get the stories of Arden’s besties and it was great seeing a cameo from Kyler and Finley. 4 out of 5 wine glasses.
A little sweetness and a lot of spice…
If I could lay all the little pieces of this story out on a table, I could make a pile of the things I absolutely loved about Best Laid Plans. First off, Lauren Blakely you make the sun come out on a cloudy day. Well, maybe not literally, but you do bring a little bit of joy to my day with your funny, little tales. I would be a happy reader if you could please release a new audio every week. That’s not too much to ask is it, Ms Blakely? Please, and thank you’s…hugs and smooches…an Aussie bottle of wine as payment…(wink, wink).
I loved that Arden owned a bookstore and knew so much about each book she sold. Arden also has an uncanny knack for matching the story of your choice to a wine, which I find very appealing. Her book store was something that appealed to the reader and wine drinker in me. If she added a coffee marching, a comfy chair to read in and a peaceful atmosphere, there’s a good chance I’d become a permanent resident.
Gabe was sexy, sweet and HOT!!! Not just HOT to look at either, he deals in HOTNESS all day long, working as the local fireman. Gabe even has a history that’s HOT. He had a short-lived career as a pitcher before blowing out his shoulder, ending his career. As he puts it, how many people get to have both their dream careers in their lifetimes? And, Gabe’s still a sweetheart who’s HOT!!
I loved Gabe’s parents, grandfather and his willingness to make and show them, how important they were to him. Arden’s friends are a hoot and the women’s book club event hosted at her shop sounded like a lot of fun and very sexy.
Last but definitely not least, another little piece that brought a smile to my face was the amazing narration by Erin Mallon and Joe Arden. Together in duet form, which I admit takes a wee while to get used to, they were magic together. It’s easy to convince yourself that these two ARE living the life of Arden and Joe. Erin and Joe are so easy to listen to and I never have problems following along.
There were a couple of little pieces that I would have happily left for the birds. Seriously, Arden was a little too sweet, bordering on ditzy. That initial scene with the ex made me cringe with her desperateness. Then, her obliviousness to Gabe’s feelings, later on, made her seem callous and oblivious. My eyes went for a wee bit of a roll at those times.
Now Gabe and his dating other women when he knew he had feelings for Arden, was another little piece that I could have done without. I KNOW they weren’t in a relationship but how dodgy is it that he was using those women to distract him from his thoughts of Arden. NICE!! Luckily, I don’t see (hear…read) him dating, but I KNOW it’s happening in the background.
Those two little bits were just little eye-twitches. Besides that, I really enjoyed Best Laid Plans and I know I will be back for more in the future.
Absolutely loved the bonus material at the end of the audio. Joe and Erin having chats about stuff was fun and had me laughing out loud. Definitely, a treat to finish off a great experience.
Gabe and Arden’s story was very sweet. These two characters had such chemistry. The story was very funny, romantic and provided a look at today’s problems as these two navigate everyday life. Definitely a good read.
I began reading Lauren Blakely’s books late last year (2018) and I was immediately hook. Since then, I’ve been making my way through her books. I just love the characters in Lauren’s stories, but I have to say that Gabe and Arden are on the top of my favorite couples lists. What I LOVED about this book is the way Arden and Gabe’s friendship developed. They were a couple without realizing they were a couple AND MY GOD, their chemistry was in-fkng-sane. Let me say, those moments when Gabe was making his way through Arden’s list without physically touching her….MY GOD….SO HOT.
Wow, Gabe and Arden what a fun sexy couple. Lauren Blakely does it again with this great friends to lovers couple – she brings humor and romance all rolled into another great book!
Arden is heartbroken, what she thought was going to be the perfect proposal she finds herself left behind with a picnic laid out in front of her. When sexy firefighter Gabe who happens to be jogging by stops to find out why she is cryings Arden finds herself losing a boyfriend but gaining a new best friend. Flash forward a year – Gabe and Arden are still great friends and Arden finds herself needing Gabe in a way that she never thought she would. In such a way that takes their friendship to another level – one, she realizes she wants but can she risk her friendship.
Gabe has always found Arden incredibly sexy – but when he finds himself stuck in the friend zone he resigns to that fact until he has had enough. As he gets ready to ask her out “officially” Arden makes a crazy request – can he teach her how to be dirty in the bedroom. Gabe, of course, is up to the challenge but as things progress he begins to realize how hard it is to keep his feelings in check and he finds that he doesn’t want to.
Best Laid Plans is a fun quick read that is a great escape during a long winter. Ms Blakely inserts her humor as well as fantastic dialog – all things that I have come to expect in a Lauren Blakely story. Told in dual POVs we get to see both sides of the story which I also love. There are great secondary characters – especially the customers Arden has in her bookstore – I thought they were great. We also get to meet Arden and Gabe’s friends – characters I am sure whose books are coming soon.
Lauren Blakely’s Books ALWAYS make me smile!!!!! This one is just as terrific as all the others, thoroughly enjoyed reading this Book!!!!!!
Best Laid Plans
By: Lauren Blakely
Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Joe Arden
Every time I listen to a Lauren Blakely book, I know I am going to have hours of enjoyment. Between her humor and her romantic storylines, I am taken away and get to live through her characters. This friends to lovers story is so much fun. Arden East(is that a play on narrator names) is dumped by her boyfriend for being too vanilla. She runs into sexy firefighter, Gabe who consoles her and their friendship begins. They enjoy doing things together, so when Arden asks Gabe to help her act out some of racier sex scenes, he takes her up on it. Will they remain friends?So many great things, from Words with Friends to bowling, Arden and her bookstore and Gabe’s grandfather, the story flows easily with heart warming scenes and lots of laughter. It’s a satisfying listen and left me with a smile.
Not enough can be said about the duet narration of Joe Arden and Erin Mallon! This team is amazing. Their comedic timing is spot on and the give just enough emotion in their voices to make us feel their characters. The cast play at the end is just a bonus and so much fun to hear them talk! Love them together!
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Once again Lauren delivers another page turned.
I loved this book from the first page to the last page I was hooked the chemistry between Gabe and Arden is off the chart, love the banter between them both how they first met is hilarious but will have you swooning and rooting for them both, best friends to lover can it really happen read it to find out.
Let me start by saying, that I have yet to read a book by Lauren Blakely that I don’t love.
Her books cater to your mind and mood. For example, Best Laid Plans, it was friendly, flirty, and funny. We see how the local bookstore owner who pairs stories with wine (how cute is that?) becomes friends with the town’s most eligible bachelor, a sexy fireman. We see just how “nice” and sweet naughty can be. Because let’s face it… Arden and Gabe really are cute together.
Sweet. Cute. This is the issue I had with this book. When a sexy fireman is teaching his brilliantly curious friend how to be naughty, I was expecting a little more heat. I was hoping for the Blakely fire that most of her stories are rich with. The sweet factor made the story a little longer than necessary.
However, her supporting characters are spot on and I’m already halfway in love with them. Particularly, I can’t wait to see how a police officer and paramedic bring use cuffs and bandages.. on themselves.
Best Laid Plans by Lauren Blakely is a fun romantic comedy about friends who turn to lovers. Arden East is the good girl who wants to learn more about being naughty and who better to teach her than her good friend and playboy, Gabe.
Gabe likes Arden and wants to be moved out of the friend zone. So, of course, he agrees to help Arden in her lessons in hopes of making her realize how great they can be together. However, when Arden keeps their lessons strictly platonic, Gabe will need to be smart to upturn her best laid plans. This leads to a lot of fun, passion and romance that pulls them closer and closer together.
Best Laid Plans by Lauren Blakely is so much fun. I liked reading about Arden and Gabe: how they became friends, and how they fell in love. Then Ms. Blakely throws in the humor, sweet moments, and slow burn falling in love, and Best Laid Plans makes for a great novel to spend your time reading.
(I voluntarily reviewed an advance review copy of this book I received for free in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
“’ . , ’ . … . ’ .”
by Lauren Blakely is a banter-filled, witty, and romantic friends-to-lovers SWOONFEST that you won’t be able to put down…not even for a second! Gabe is delicious! Arden is a delight! These two together…well, it’s just downright sexy and magical! Even though this is a slow-burn love story, every page sizzles…every chapter will make your heart skip a beat. I couldn’t get enough of these two!
:
Amazon US → https://amzn.to/2NuRVSw
Amazon UK → https://amzn.to/2Sh6F8b
Amazon AU → https://amzn.to/2EkJSV6
Amazon CA → https://amzn.to/2DV9CWE
Another Wonderful Story!
Lauren Blakely has once again written a 5 star book! This book has everything you could want, humor, romance, wonderful secondary characters and some really hot scenes! The way that Gabe and Arden became such great friends just made me chuckle. I’ll never be able to hike on trails again with a straight face. The way these two grew their friendship was wonderful to read about. I love how Gabe has such a great relationship with not only Arden but also his parents and his Pops. How can you not help but fall in love with this hot fireman. Arden is such a sweet and loving person that you just want to be her best friend. I love how she runs her bookstore and gives out wine advice to go along with the books. I also love the book clubs and the topics that they talked about. Still chuckling over that part. This book is so well written and will keep you entertained from start to finish.
*4 Stars*
Lauren Blakely always has fun and entertaining books, and this one was no different. Gabe and Arden have been friends for a year but neither of them really wants to admit to, or risk their friendship, for feelings that are more than that. Of friends.
When Arden comes up with her little plan, things really heat up, and boy oh boy do they get fun. And that elevator scene? *fans self*
I loved that Arden is a bookstore owner and even though she’s trying to find herself in certain ways, she’s very true to herself in others. And Gabe is just an awesome male hero in this one. Plus he’s a firefighter? I mean, who can resist a firefighter?
Lots of fun, an entertaining and easy read. Would recommend.
Super sweet, smoking anticipation friends to lovers romance!
I loved it!
Gabe’s best friend Arden (kick ass name by the way) goes to him for help. Feels like she’s missing out and asks for a sex-ucation. He’s more than willing to help. Considering they are in love but won’t admit makes for a phenomenal book!
I want to go to ‘A New Chapter’, Arden’s bookstore and watch it unfold in real life!
If you’re looking for a very sweet, but smoking hot read, this is it!
Lauren Blakely
If you’re looking for wonderful character chemistry, sexy, witty dialogue, and a delightfully fun and flirty storyline, then let me direct you towards Lauren Blakely’s brilliant new release – Best Laid Plans. I loved this book. Love, love, love!! It gave me all the good time feels. This swoony, smile inducing love story is everything I love about Lauren Blakely’ writing. It didn’t feel like a typical friends to lovers. I don’t know how to explain it. It just felt like more.
I fell for Gabe almost instantly. The way he cared for Arden when she was down and his overall good guy vibe made him to be an amazing hero. This guy was seriously sexy as can be. Lauren Blakely writes the best nice guys.
Arden is another favorite Blakely heroine. She’s super cute and very relatable. Oh my gosh, I’m so jealous of her job – books and wine… hello heaven. She’s inexperience in many aspects of her love life, but she’s not naive or weak. I love her demeanor and her attitude even when she unsure.
Gabe and Arden’s friendship was my favorite thing. I was addicted to their flirting and hot back and forth interactions. This book was so deliciously sexy without being over the top.
I can never get enough of Lauren Blakely’s books. They make me so dang happy. Best Laid Plans is no different. I highly highly highly recommend picking it up.